Professional and Candidate members with Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) through BMS will have a 14-month term during the 2024 renewal cycle. This will include an additional two months of PLI fees.

We are moving all members to a March-March policy term in 2025 to reduce the number of members exposed to a lapse in coverage for those who are unable to renew by December 31. Please note that members are still required to renew by December 31, 2023 to ensure a continuation of coverage for 2024. The change in policy term will commence in 2025.

Here are some frequently asked questions from our members about their PLI coverage:

Why Do I Need Professional Liability Insurance?

Professional liability insurance protects you against liability or allegations of liability for injury or damages that have resulted from a negligent act, error, omission, or malpractice that has arisen out of your professional capacity as a planner or if a complaint is made against you to your regulatory body. As a professional/candidate member, your membership includes $5 million CAD in coverage.

How Do I Activate My Professional Liability Insurance?

Once you receive your membership renewal email notification, click the link to complete the following steps: review your contact information, update your communication preferences, and confirm your membership type. Then, select either the cheque/invoice or credit card payment option. Payment is not required at this time and can be received after January 1 with no consequence to your coverage. Once you have completed these steps, your renewal is considered complete and your insurance certificate start date will be issued. If you do not complete this renewal process by December 31, your coverage will lapse on January 1, 2024.

What Happens if I Do NOT Renew My Insurance by December 31?

Coverage is written on a claims-made basis and expires on January 1 of each year. If you do not renew your professional liability insurance (which is included in your professional/candidate membership) by December 31, your coverage will lapse on January 1, 2024. As a result, you will be vulnerable to claims, even if the time period indicated in the complaint was during a period of active coverage.

Watch: Are You Covered? How Professional Liability Insurance Protects You

Watch our recent webinar, “Are You Covered? How Errors & Omissions (Professional Liability) Insurance Protects You” – featuring Brent Cartwright and Tara Scullion of BMS Canada. This webinar can help you learn more about your professional liability insurance coverage and the risks and liabilities associated with your practices.